As we grow older, many of us tend to notice small clusters of red, blue or purple veins on our thighs, calves and ankles. These unsightly problems, known as spider veins, are caused by a number of factors, including heredity and pregnancy. Just the sight of them would make us want to cover our legs and become very self-conscious when going out to public places like the beach. Not only can this make legs appear unattractive, bothersome symptoms such as aching, burning, swelling and night cramps are associated with these spider veins.
Spider vein removal, or sclerotherapy, is a procedure designed to permanently remove these spider veins, leaving your legs looking younger and healthier. This involves either delivering intense pulsed light to the veins, or through injections of a sclerosing solution that collapses these veins and causes them to fade away.
Even though spider vein removal has been performed for many years in Europe, only recently has this procedure gained popularity in the United States, becoming quite a trend in cosmetic surgery. In 2003, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 480,000 spider vein removal procedures were performed in the United States alone.
With the increasing popularity of various cosmetic surgery procedures, including spider vein removal, it is important that the prospective patient research and understand different issues like what the procedure can and cannot treat, inherent risks, costs, and other factors. Keep in mind, cosmetic surgery is just that a surgical procedure whose results cannot simply be erased.
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D Spider veins: Sclerotherapy is a very effective, non-surgical procedure developed almost 150 years ago to eradicate unwanted, non-functional veins. Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a chemical solution into small varicose or spider veins with a very tiny needle. The solution causes the walls of the blood vessel to collapse and seal together, therefore preventing blood flow. The damaged blood vessel will eventually be reabsorbed by the body. Close
The procedure is comfortably and conveniently done in the office. You will be asked to lie down on the examination table and the skin over your spider veins will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Dr. Biskin will then inject a sterile solution, called a sclerosant, into the unwanted veins with an ultra-fine needle. A gauze pressure dressing is applied to the area after each injection. The leg(s) are then wrapped in an ace bandage which must stay in place for 48 hours. Close
The sclerosing agent used is called Polidocanol. Use of this particular sclerosant has provided excellent results. It rarely causes burning with injection and is less likely than other solutions to cause skin ulceration or hyper-pigmentation. Close
Generally, 2-3 treatment sessions over a 10 week period may be necessary to obtain the desired results. It may take as many as 6 treatments for patients with severe facial volume loss. Dr. Biskin will decide on the appropriate number of treatment sessions and the amount of Sculptra required at each session. Close
The number of treatments required is based upon the number and extent of your unwanted veins. This will be estimated at the time of your initial consultation.
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Almost any man, woman or child with unwanted varicose and spider veins can be treated. Women who are pregnant or nursing are not candidates. Other contraindications may exist and will be discussed at the time of consultation. Close
Varicose veins are very large and, when engorged with blood, will bulge above the surface of the skin. They are dark purple or blue in color, and can look like twisted cords. They are found most often on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg, anywhere from the groin to the ankle.
Reticular veins are flat blue veins often visible just beneath the skin. These veins collect the blood from the skin and empty into larger, deeper veins. Most spider veins are connected to abnormal reticular veins. The abnormal reticular vein must be treated to achieve good long-term results.
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins but are much smaller, often red or blue in color, and are closer to the surface of the skin. They appear as short, jagged lines that can look like a tree branch or spider web.
Spider veins are mostly found on the legs but occasionally develop on the face. Close
The removal of varicose or spider veins does not stimulate the development of new varicose veins. However, anyone who has varicose or spider veins is likely predisposed to this condition and can expect new varicose or spider veins to develop over time. This is true whether or not pre-existing veins have ever been treated. Although treatment can significantly diminish the appearance of existing spider veins, it doesnt always prevent new ones from occurring. Close
Varicose, reticular, and spider veins are essentially non-functional, and their elimination does not adversely affect circulation. In fact, their removal may actually improve the local venous circulation. By the time varicose and spider veins have appeared, normal veins in the same vicinity have taken over their function.
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Sclerotherapy works very well for most patients. It is estimated that as many as 50 to 80% of injected veins may be eliminated with each injection session. Less than 10% of people who undergo sclerotherapy do not respond at all. For larger veins, other methods such as Endo Venous Therapy or Ligation and Stripping may be required.
In general, spider veins disappear after sclerotherapy over a period of several weeks, although some may respond immediately. Larger veins may take significantly longer. The veins that respond to treatment will not re-appear; however, new veins may appear over time. Close
In most cases, normal activity may be resumed. Walking is encouraged. The ace bandages applied will need to stay in place for the first 48 hours. It is usually recommended to wear compression stockings for several days or more following treatment. It is unadvisable, however, to remain standing or sitting for long periods of time.
It is important to avoid hot baths or any type of heat to the treated areas, including sun exposure. Swimming and vigorous workouts, such as high-impact aerobics and jogging, should also be avoided.
Your doctor will provide you with any specific instructions that may be required. Close
Intense Pulse Light or YAG lasers, which are available at the Laser and Rejuvenation Center, are effective in the elimination of facial veins. Often, these facial veins are caused by a condition called Rosacea. Close
Lasers and light sources may be use for patients who dont tolerate or fail to respond to sclerotherapy and who are prone to telangiectatic matting.Close
Sclerotherapy, like any medical intervention, will have the potential for some adverse effects. Fortunately, serious side effects from Sclerotherapy are rare.
The most common side effects are:
As with any procedure, medical necessity must be established and documented to obtain insurance coverage. If it is determined as medically necessary, most companies will cover the cost. In the case of aesthetic treatments, patients are generally responsible for payment at the time of service. Sclerotherapy by itself and laser treatment for leg veins will almost never be covered. We encourage discussion of payment options prior to any procedure to avoid uncertainty Close
